Inspired by the raw, hypnotic tones of Mark Sandman and the groundbreaking sound of Morphine, Eastwood has unveiled the Sandman Tribute Bass – a stripped-down, two-string powerhouse built for players who believe less is more. Designed as both a tribute and a practical tool, this instrument captures the spirit of Sandman’s DIY ethos while offering bassists a straightforward entry point into his distinctive sound.
The Sandman Tribute Bass features a Basswood body, bolt-on Maple neck, and Rosewood fingerboard with a short 30.5″ scale length that makes it instantly comfortable in hand. At its core is a custom split P-Bass pickup wired to a three-way switch, master volume, and master tone, giving it surprising tonal range despite its minimalist setup. Hardware includes nickel/chrome fittings and a custom two-saddle bridge built specifically for its dual-string configuration.
Eastwood ships the bass with strings tuned E-A with gauges of .105 and .85. This decision was made to ensure immediate playability for most bassists, keeping the learning curve low while still honoring Sandman’s minimalist vision.
For players who want to explore Sandman’s actual tunings, Eastwood provides guidance: swap in lighter strings (typically the D and G from a standard bass set, gauged around .065 and .045) and adjust the nut. This makes it possible to recreate Sandman’s most common D-A tuning, or his alternate C-G setup. Eastwood notes that addressing the nut is necessary – either replacing it or having it filled and re-cut – a straightforward job for any qualified tech.
The result is an instrument that feels at once retro and forward-thinking, perfectly suited for minimalist jazz-rock lines, slide experiments, and gritty grooves that echo Sandman’s unique sonic fingerprint. But most importantly, Eastwood built it to be played – not just hung on a wall.
Get it here on pre-order for $699 here.
